Atlanta Falcons free agent options: Linebackers

February 12, 10:37 AMAtlanta Falcons ExaminerDaniel Cox

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Leroy Hill, AP Photo/Ted S. Warren 

The Atlanta Falcons look at free agent options will begin with linebackers.

In the middle they feature Curtis Lofton who will be entering his second season in 2009. He was solid in his rookie campaign and has the potential to be a star middle linebacker in the NFL.

In theory it would be wise for the Falcons to surround Lofton with at least one veteran presence. Letting a backup assume a starting role and drafting a rookie for the other linebacker slot is a risky proposition.

Atlanta has major decisions to make with their linebackers.

Michael Boley and Coy Wire, who split time last season, are both free agents. Keith Brooking, an 11-year veteran, has clearly lost more than a step and though he's a popular player it may be time to cut bait with him.

ProFootballWeekly.com is reporting that Atlanta will likely release Brooking before February 23, when he's due a $1 million bonus. Releasing him saves $8.3 million in cap space that can be better used to elsewhere.

If the Falcons decide to target linebackers in free agency, there are a number of them that could make an impact. However, a realistic approach must be used to considering all the free agent options. The top free-agent linebacker is Karlos Dansby, an outstanding player and an impact player on every team. It's unlikely Atlanta will shell out the money he will demand, thus he's an unrealistic option. You can place Baltimore's Terrell Suggs and Ray Lewis into the "unrealistic" category as well. Suggs will be too expensive and Lewis is too old to provide a future at the position for the Falcons.

Many believe they have a good option on their team already in Michael Boley. He started the season on the strong side, but eventually lost his job to Coy Wire, due to his inabilities in run support. Wire typically played on running downs and Boley was used in pass coverage. A wise move, if Brooking is released, is to bring Boley back into the mix and move him to the weak side.

Boley's strength is in coverage, allowing him to use his athleticism and speed. He's a smart player, entering his prime and at the linebacker position better suited for him he could have a second life in Atlanta.

Assuming the Falcons are still interested in signing a strong side linebacker in free agency, here are some of their options:

Leroy Hill

The scoop: Hill, a fourth-year veteran from Clemson and a Georgia native, is a Pro-Bowl caliber player who could step in immediately as the strong side linebacker. His play is instinctive, he's a sure tackler, and has good sideline-to-sideline speed. He's strong in run defense and can take on blockers, not getting easily consumed. His instincts help him in coverage and he's also a good blitzer. His durability is a concern since he's never been healthy enough to play an entire 16-game season.

What are the chances? Not so good, but possible. Hill won't come cheap, but he hasn't helped his cause in the last few weeks. He was arrested (in Atlanta, GA) on January 24 and faces a misdemeanor charge for marijuana possession. The character flag has been raised with the arrest and it's unlikely the Falcons will take their chances. ESPN ranks Hill as the fourth-best free agent linebacker so his earning potential is high, but not in the upper-tier category. The Falcons could afford him, if they wanted to target him. It remains to be seen whether Seattle wants to keep him. Seattle has some cap room, but they have a high draft pick and may not be able to keep the third of their talented linebacker trio. Hill has also hinted that he'd like to test the market. Hill would make an instant impact with the Falcons.

Channing Crowder, 2008 team: Miami Dolphins

The scoop: The 25-year old linebacker from Florida is talented. In 2008 he was a tackling machine for the Dolphins defense, recording 113, 92 of which were solo. He's got NFL-lineage, the son of six-year defensive lineman Randy Crowder. Crowder's said to have chased wild boars to help his tackling technique and clearly it has worked. He is strong and athletic and versatile, able to cover in both zone and man schemes and provides sound run defense. His effort and toughness on every play make him an instant leader on the defense. 

What are the chances? If you know Bill Parcells, you know he likes his linebackers. And he probably likes Crowder, a lot. However, the Dolphins do have some key free agents they'd like to re-sign. There are a variety of reports that say Crowder is going to test the market, even this one that says he was "lowballed" by the initial offer from the Dolphins. This is one that could be a possibility for Atlanta. Crowder is ranked eighth by ESPN, so he would likely be affordable. If general manager Thomas Dimitroff managed to bring Crowder to the Falcons, they'd have the makings of one of the more talented and young linebacker duos in the NFL.

Angelo Crowell, 2008 team: Buffalo Bills

The scoop: Crowell missed all of 2008 after knee surgery, but in 2007 he was solid with 126 tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble, and one interception. The 27-year-old from University of Virginia is athletic, has good size, and is strong. He's a physical player that can shed blockers and defends the run well. His coverage skills, however, are a little more suspect. He initially made a name for himself on the Bills with his strong special teams play on his way to being named a starter in 2006. It remains to be seen how the knee injury from '08 will affect his play in 2009. If nothing else, until his knee is proven to be healthy, he can help any team in a reserve role and on special teams.

What are the chances? There are a lot of rumors floating that the Bills will perhaps use their first-round draft pick on a linebacker, so it's unlikely that Crowell will return to Buffalo. Because of his injury, some teams may not be willing to take their chances with him. If Atlanta deems him healthy, he could be signed for relatively cheap and could be a solid addition to the linebacker corps. Though he's not likely to flash Pro-Bowl talent, he'll play tough and would be the kind of linebacker coach Mike Smith would enjoy coaching.

The Wild cards: Mike Peterson, 2008 team: Jacksonville Jaguars and Keyaron Fox, 2008 team: Pittsburgh Steelers

The Scoop: Peterson is a middle linebacker by trade, but is athletic enough to make the switch to the outside. While with the Jaguars, and current Atlanta head coach Mike Smith, he was one of the better linebackers in the NFL. He's an explosive tackler with good speed and uses his athleticism well in coverage. His instincts, more than preparation, have led to many of his interceptions in the last few years. Peterson is 32-years-old, but doesn't seem to play "old." Fox, 27 from Georgia Tech, was a third-round draft pick in 2004 by the Chiefs and a key contributor on special teams for the Steelers in 2008. He's an aggressive and sure tackler and isn't afraid to get in the middle of any play on the field. He's capable in coverage, but his instincts leave a little to be desired.

What are the chances? Peterson is probably unlikely simply because the Falcons don't seem to be interested in signing older players. At 32 he's likely to not be resigned by Jacksonville, after falling out of favor with head coach Jack Del Rio in 2008. He'll likely cost more than his production could merit, even though his leadership and veteran presence would be valuable. Fox could be a good option for depth, special teams, and to challenge for playing time. He'll be cheap, probably wouldn't mind coming back to Atlanta, and would get good coaching by the defense and Smith. At 27 it's still not too late to grow into a starter. James Harrison, his teammate, is a great example of this.